The Complete Recordings on American Decca (9CD Box Set)

Collected for the first time, are the complete recordings made by the epochal countertenor Russell Oberlin for American Decca. The set encompasses first CD and digital releases of seven (of nine albums), remastered from the original master tapes.

Original Jackets · Limited Edition

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This set also contains the first release of four ravishingly sung songs from musicals and films, Oberlin recorded with an unknown pianist in New York in 1959. Unlike other countertenors, and especially his English contemporary Alfred Deller, Oberlin did not sing in falsetto, but with his natural tenor voice, which he was able to carry effortlessly — a rare phenomenon — into the alto register. The voice thus sounded not only more powerful and controlled, but also more focused and pure in intonation. 

Included are medieval chants and liturgical dramas, Renaissance lute songs and choral music, opera arias, Baroque cantatas, German Lieder, Walton’s witty musical recitations, and songs from musicals and films — how many singers have a more comprehensive repertoire and as broad vocal range? The edition is also a re-encounter with one of the early pioneer ensembles of early music: New York Pro Musica under its director Noah Greenberg.

TRACK LIST

CD 1: Music of Medieval Court and Countryside (for the Christmas Season)

CD 2: The Play of Daniel (A Twelfth Century Musical Drama)

CD 3: Sacred Music of Thomas Tallis

CD 4: Elizabethan and Jacobean Ayres, Madrigals and Dances

CD 5: Handel: Arias

CD 6: Josquin des Préz: Missa pange lingua (Motets & Instrumental Pieces)

CD 7: Baroque Cantatas – Telemann, Buxtehude, Handel

CD 8: A Russell Oberlin Recital (St. Godric Songs | Songs by Jones, Purcell, Schumann, Wolf)
4 Songs from Musicals and Movies

CD 9: Walton: Façade